Vitiligo causes white patches on the skin. The cause of vitiligo is not known. It may be due to autoimmune disease - the immune system destroys your own melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin by mistake. It is also possible that certain genetic factors play a role. We are unable to predict whether vitiligo will spread, when and how fast it spreads. The choice of treatment depends on the extent of white patches and patient preference. Commonly used topical treatments include topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitor (Tarcolimus ointment). Phototherapy and photochemotherapy treatments had been proven useful in selected patients. Other options include surgical skin grafting, or cosmetic cover-up

Treatment of vitiligo

Targeted selective phototherapy emits selected wavelengths of light at the most effective intensity for safe phototherapy of different common skin disorders, including vitiligo, psoriasis, dermatitis etc. Ultraviolet light is therapeutically effective by inhibiting the lymphocyte-induced inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation, or stimulating follicular melanocyte proliferation.

The advantages of targeted selective phototherapy are that only the most effective part of the light spectrum is delivered to the affected area at an appropriate energy dose. The normal skin is spared from unnecessary light exposure. The cumulative dose of light exposure and the total number of treatment sessions can also be kept to a minimum, as compared to the conventional whole body phototherapy regime.

Targeted selective phototherapy treatment is particularly useful for patients not suitable for taking oral medications due to drug-induced side effect or personal health problem. Other potential candidates include patients with localized skin lesions refractory to topical treatments or who cannot afford a long treatment period. It is also a pain free treatment and can treat patients of all skin types.

Each treatment session typically takes less than 15 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. The schedule is usually about 2 times a week. The total number of treatment sessions may differ for different skin diseases (typically 20-25 sessions for vitiligo).